PG orders police action in woman's fall probe
The Prosecutor General’s Office also instructed police to investigate whether any officers had committed negligence or procedural violations.
The Prosecutor General’s Office on Thursday directed the Maldives Police Service to collect urine samples from individuals who refused to comply with the investigation into the fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from a building in Malé.
Yumnu, aged 21, fell from the ninth floor of H. Fentenoige on 17 April. Raud Ahmed Zilal, who was present inside the building at the time, has since been arrested in connection with the case.
Police previously stated at a press conference that some individuals who were with Yumnu and Raud that morning refused to provide urine samples. No arrests were made at the time in relation to this refusal, leading to public criticism regarding the handling of the investigation.
Raud’s urine sample was collected prior to his arrest, with police confirming he tested positive for cannabis. The manner in which this was conducted was also subject to public criticism.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has now instructed police to treat the refusal to give a urine sample as a separate investigation. This directive was issued on Thursday.
The Prosecutor General’s Office issued additional instructions to the police, including:
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Avoid further disclosure of Yumnu’s personal information, photos, or videos that could affect her reputation and dignity.
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Review and amend police operational procedures to prevent similar incidents.
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Ensure equal and unbiased disclosure of information during criminal investigations, respecting the rights guaranteed by law.
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Provide transparent and complete information without causing confusion.
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Share information in a manner that does not obstruct ongoing investigations.
The Prosecutor General’s Office also instructed police to investigate whether any officers had committed negligence or procedural violations during the investigation and to take appropriate action.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that it would address any complaints received from the public concerning the investigation and urged journalists and the public to disseminate information in a manner that respects the rights of victims.
Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau resigned from his post later in the evening on Saturday amid continued public criticism regarding the investigation.
